Description

• Mockingbird’s incubation services help emerging nonprofits and nonprofit founders navigate the complexities of building their organizations, including compliance, board governance, fundraising, and strategic planning. 
  
  
• Its programs are suited for early-stage nonprofit ventures, grassroots organizations, and activists transitioning into formal nonprofit operations. 
  
  

• Mockingbird does not invest capital or take equity like a traditional startup accelerator.
  
  
• Instead, it focuses on training, mentorship, and nonprofit operational support to help participants become stronger and more fundable — particularly in grant and donor fundraising contexts. 
  
  
• In its flagship Mockingbird Nonprofit Incubator Program, participants may be eligible to apply for small grant funds (e.g., up to ~$3,000) after completing the program. 
  
  

• Through partnerships (e.g., with Givebutter), selected nonprofits can receive full scholarships to participate in the core incubator program and access tools to grow their fundraising capacity. 
  
  

• Equity Required: None — Mockingbird Incubator does not take equity or ownership in participating organizations (as it supports nonprofits).
  
  
• Funding provided (e.g., post-program grants) is non-dilutive and does not involve ownership stakes or repayment.
  
  

• Nonprofit founders apply for cohort-based incubator programs via Mockingbird’s online application during open calls (e.g., Spring 2026 cohort). 
  
  
• Acceptance is typically competitive and based on organizational fit with the mission of sustainable nonprofit growth and a commitment to completing the curriculum.
  
  

• Once accepted, organizations participate in weekly live workshops (8 weeks) covering nonprofit management essentials, and may optionally participate in fundraising challenges. 
  
  

Eligibility

• 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or projects operating in the U.S., including those under fiscal sponsorship if requirements are met. 
  
  

• Early-stage or emerging nonprofits — especially groups that need capacity building in governance, fundraising, program design, evaluation, and infrastructure. 
  
  

• Strong emphasis on social justice, equity, and community impact. Organizations whose missions are not aligned with these values, or that operate in exclusionary contexts, are not a fit. 
  
  

• Founders must attend workshops and participate actively throughout the eight-week program. 

Process

What an Applicant can Obtain

• Structured Curriculum: Eight weekly live workshops on nonprofit strategy, fundraising, governance, board engagement, marketing/branding, and impact evaluation. 
  
  
• Fundraising Support: Review and guidance on fundraising campaigns and donor engagement strategies (partnered sessions with Givebutter). 
  
  
• Small Grants: Opportunity to apply for up to ~$3,000 in grant funding after program completion (grant selection by the Board). 
  
  
• Networks & Resources: Access to a cohort alumni community and nonprofit professional network. 
  
  
• On-Demand Learning Options: Workshops and training courses are also available via self-paced membership or on-demand library. 
  
  

• Mockingbird also offers Model A and Model C fiscal sponsorship — allowing early ventures to operate under Mockingbird’s 501(c)(3) status with administrative support in exchange for a flat fee (e.g., 10% of incoming funds plus setup fee).